What Food To Try in Stockholm and Food Prices

Gravad lax - Gravlax (cured salmon) - This dish features salmon cured with a mixture of sugar, salt, and dill, resulting in a tender, flavorful slice. Locals enjoy it with a dollop of mustard sauce on crisp bread, often during festive gatherings or as an appetizer.

Falafel - Falafel (chickpea balls) - These are crispy chickpea balls, typically fried to a golden brown, often stuffed into pita with fresh veggies and tahini. Street food enthusiasts usually grab a serving from food trucks, especially during lunchtime when the city buzzes with activity.

Köttbullar - Swedish Meatballs - Made with ground beef and pork, these hearty meatballs are served with creamy gravy and lingonberry jam, offering a delightful sweet and savory bite. It's a staple at family dinners, perfect for those cold winter nights around the dinner table.

Surströmming - Surströmming (fermented herring) - This controversial dish of fermented herring packs a potent aroma and briny flavor, usually served with flatbreads and potatoes. It’s traditionally consumed in late summer during "Surströmmingsskiva" gatherings, where locals savor every bite while laughing at each other's reactions!

Langos - Lángos (fried flatbread) - A deep-fried flatbread topped with various ingredients like garlic, sour cream, or cheese, perfect for a filling street food option. Many enjoy it at festivals and markets, making it a common pick for those late-night cravings at fairs.

Rödbetsallad - Beetroot Salad - This dish combines roasted beets with apples, onion, and often herring, creating a sweet and tangy texture. Often featured during the Christmas season, it’s a colorful addition to festive meals enjoyed by families.

Janssons frestelse - Jansson's Temptation (potato casserole) - A creamy potato dish baked with onions and anchovies, this comforting casserole has layers of flavor and texture. You'll find it on tables during special family occasions, particularly around the holidays.

Plankstek - Plank Steak (steak on a plank) - This consists of a grilled steak served on a wooden plank, typically accompanied by potatoes and seasonal vegetables. It’s a favorite at summer barbecues, showcasing Swedish love for outdoor cooking and socializing.

Kaffelek - Kaffe (Swedish coffee) - This is a strong, rich coffee often served black or with a splash of milk, accompanied by an assortment of pastries. Locals enjoy it daily, especially during social gatherings or 'fika' breaks, serving as a delightful ritual of connection and relaxation.

Lingondricka - Lingonberry drink (sweet, tart refreshment) - A refreshing, non-alcoholic beverage made from pressed wild lingonberries, sugar, and water, served chilled over ice. Popular during summertime picnics, this drink perfectly captures Sweden's berry-picking culture, often enjoyed alongside outdoor meals.

Mulled Wine - Glögg (spiced winter beverage) - A warm mix of red wine with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, sweetened with sugar and often served with almonds and raisins. Traditionally consumed in December during the festive season, it’s a must-have at any Christmas market—a cozy treat that'll heat you from the inside out.

Kanelbullar - Cinnamon bun (sweet pastry) - Soft, buttery dough rolled with cinnamon and sugar, often topped with sugar crystals or nuts. This beloved pastry is typically enjoyed during 'fika' or weekend brunches, and you can find it piping hot at bakeries; just be careful not to confuse it with the less sweet versions, called 'snurrbullar.'

Glass - Glass starts (frozen dessert) - A delicious Swedish ice cream treat, typically made with fresh berries, cream, and egg yolk, served in a cone or cup. Commonly enjoyed at outdoor festivals or during summer vacations, it has a texture that melts in your mouth—perfect for cooling down on a hot day!

By the way, if you find the Glögg too sweet, adding a splash of something citrusy can balance it out nicely. Just a little tip from a local!